Tag Archive for: Featured

PIRATES SINK THE SPARTANS

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Conneaut, OH- The Conneaut Spartans offense struggled against an incredibly talented Perry Pirates, ultimately falling 23-1 on Thursday at CLYO.

Perry Pirates wasted no time asserting their dominance, storming ahead in the top of the first inning with a barrage of runs. Sam Tharp’s groundout kicked off the scoring, followed by a series of hits and walks that drove in multiple runs, including RBI singles by Cade Henderson and Connor D’Astolfo.

The Pirates continued to pile on the runs, extending their lead in the second and third innings with timely hits and aggressive baserunning. By the fourth inning, they had amassed an impressive seven runs on three hits, further widening the gap.

Despite their efforts, the Spartans struggled to contain the Pirates’ potent offense, with Ty Covill enduring a challenging outing on the mound.

Offensively, the Spartans managed to scratch across a lone run, with Dylan Philip driving in the solitary score. Bryce Spurlin led the team with two hits in three at-bats, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pirates’ dominant performance.

For the Pirates, Owen McKoon stood out with a stellar performance at the plate, leading the team with four runs batted in. D’Astolfo, Henderson, and #8 also made significant contributions with multiple hits each, while Luke Sivon displayed patience at the plate with three walks.

Perry Pirates demonstrated discipline at the plate, collecting 10 walks throughout the game, while also utilizing their speed on the basepaths to steal four bases.

Defensively, the Pirates were solid, committing no errors throughout the game, with McKoon making the most plays.

With this tough loss behind them, the Conneaut Spartans will regroup and prepare for their next game at home against the Pymatuning Valley Lakers on Saturday, aiming to bounce back and secure victory on their home turf.

WATTS FINDS PERFECTION TO GIVE LOUISVILLE THEIR FIRST LOSS

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LOUISVILLE OH- The Austintown-Fitch Falcons softball team handed The Louisville Leopards their first loss of the season by a score of 10-0 in seven innings. Charged by a Sydnie Watts perfect game, her fourth in her high school career, The Falcons jumped ahead early with a four run top of the first with two-run blasts by both Abby Toth, her first of the season and Morgan Roby, her first over-the-fence in high school, to give Fitch the early 4-0 advantage.

Supplying more offense in the top of the second, The Falcons senior shortstop Ayla Ray belted a two-run shot, her team-leading eighth of the season, bringing in RBI 23 and 24 which also leads the team! Watts mirrored the bottom of the second inning with the bottom of the first as she struck out two batters and forced one popup to get through to clean frames with The Falcons up 6-0 over The Leopards.

Fitch added a run in in the top of the fifth when Kylie Folkwein crushed her third home run of the season as she sent a towering shot over the pine tree in left-center field! Through five innings, Fitch led 7-0.
The final runs of the game came in the top of the seventh when Sydnie Watts continued her games with a home run streak to three with a three-run shot to left, her fourth of the year, putting Austintown up 10-0. Watts would be even more impressive in the bottom of the seventh when she struck out two batters, totaling 12, to complete her fourth perfect game and 13th no-hitter in her high school career, doing it in just 72 pitches! As The Georgia Tech commit continues to dazzle.

Austintown-Fitch (9-1) will now get some rest after winning three games in three days when they travel to Boardman (7-5) on Monday, April 22nd with a 5 p.m. first pitch. Meanwhile,

Louisville (10-1) will look to bounce back against GlenOak (4-2) when they host The Golden Eagles on Friday, April 19th.

Stay updated with both Austintown-Fitch and Louisville softball all season long with coverage of live games, scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

HERALDS OFFENSE SHARP IN WIN OVER WARRIORS

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Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas

East Ashtabula, OH- In a big time Ashtabula County matchup, the St. John Heralds emerged triumphant over the Edgewood Warriors with a hard-fought 11-7 victory on Thursday.

Will Anderson led the charge for the Heralds, delivering a stellar performance with three hits in four at-bats, including two crucial doubles and a timely single.

The Heralds wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, capitalizing on an error in the first inning to take an early lead.

However, the Warriors quickly turned the tide in the second inning, surging ahead to a 4-1 lead with a barrage of hits, including singles by Geno Measel and Zane Naylor, along with a double from Aidan Hernandez.

Undeterred, the Heralds responded emphatically in the bottom of the second, unleashing a potent offensive onslaught to score five runs on four hits, seizing a 6-4 lead. Anthony Severino’s double proved to be the highlight of the inning, driving in two crucial runs.

The Heralds continued to pile on the runs in the fourth inning, adding five more runs on three hits, with Bryson Vennitti’s double and Anderson’s timely hit contributing to their commanding lead.

On the mound, Ryan Williams showcased his pitching prowess for the Heralds, surrendering zero earned runs over six and two-thirds innings, while striking out seven batters. Aaron Wychock came in in the top of the 7th inning for closing duties throwing blazing heaters to get the final strikeout of the game.

For the Warriors, Alex Sperduto endured a challenging outing, allowing four earned runs over three and two-thirds innings.

Offensively, the Heralds amassed nine hits in the game, with Vennitti leading the charge with two hits. Anderson and Brady Cole showcased their speed on the basepaths, each stealing multiple bases, while the team collectively accumulated eight stolen bases.

Despite the loss, the Warriors displayed resilience at the plate, tallying 10 hits in the game, with Hernandez leading the charge with three hits including 3 doubles.

While the score was high this game was not without spectacular defensive plays including jaw dropping catches by the Warriors Logan Kray and the Heralds Ezra Campbell. Looking ahead, the Heralds will carry their winning momentum into their next game against Mathews on Friday, aiming to maintain their dominance on the field. Meanwhile, the Warriors will prepare for a doubleheader at home against the Harvey Red Raiders followed by the Pymatuning Valley Lakers, seeking to bounce back and secure victory in their upcoming matchups.

POLAND LETS OUT FRUSTRATION

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POLAND OH- It was a commanding win for the Poland on Thursday after suffering back to back losses against Lakeview. They brought the heat against Girard, coming away with a dominant 17-1 victory that showcased their offensive prowess.

Leading the charge was Leanne Williams, who was an absolute powerhouse at the plate, driving in four runs on two hits. Her double in the second inning alone brought home three runs, setting the tone for the Bulldogs’ explosive offense.

And speaking of explosive, Poland exploded for 10 runs in the third inning, leaving Girard in the dust. It was a team effort, with contributions from players like Leanna Boccieri, Mary Brant, Lillian McDonald, and Cassie Blanch, just to name a few.

On the mound, Olivia Horn held it down for Poland, tossing three solid innings and allowing zero runs while striking out three. Girard’s Brooklyn Broll did her best to keep pace, but the Bulldogs’ relentless offense proved to be too much to handle.

Despite the loss, Girard had some bright spots, with players like Ivory Hewitt leading the charge with one RBI. But in the end, it was Poland’s day to shine, with Brant leading the team with three hits and Horn adding two of her own.

With their patience at the plate and dominant performance on both offense and defense, Poland Seminary Bulldogs are definitely a force to be reckoned with in the softball world.

FITCH COMES OUT SWINGING

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AUSTINTOWN OH-  Fitch came out swinging and never looked back on Wednesday night, taking down Warren Harding with an impressive 15-5 victory, improving their record to a solid 8-1.

The pitching duo of Sydnie Watts and Vita Kelty held it down for Fitch, with Watts striking out a whopping 11 batters over 4 and 1/3 innings before Kelty came in to close it out with 2 strikeouts of her own.

On the offensive side, it was a team effort for Fitch, with Kailana Ray leading the charge with 4 singles and an RBI, not to mention an impressive 5 stolen bases. Ayla Ray wasn’t far behind, smashing 2 homers and driving in 4 runs, while Abby Toth racked up 2 doubles.

But the hits didn’t stop there. Lily Stevens, Kylie Folkwein, Sydnie Watts, Morgan Roby, Samantha Severn, and Rachel Spalding all contributed with singles of their own, with Watts even adding a double and a homer to the mix.

The Raiders put up a fight with homers from Azarriah Phillips, Breasia Butler, and Alicia Vaughn, but in the end, Fitch’s relentless offense and dominant pitching proved to be too much to handle.

STORMS WONT KEEP SZALAY FROM HER MILESTONE

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It was a milestone night for Cardinal Mooney as they dodged rain all night on their way to victory. They came out firing on all cylinders, taking down Louisville with a decisive 16-5 victory and improving their record to a stellar 7-1. But the real standout of the night? Ella Szalay, who not only led the team but also hit a major milestone, notching her 200th career goal. Talk about impressive!

Szalay was an absolute force to be reckoned with, racking up 11 goals, 3 assists, and a slew of ground balls and draw controls. Natalie Blasko also made her mark with 4 goals, while Angelee Blasko dished out 2 assists, and Lainey Hunt chipped in with a goal of her own.

Frankie Cassese played a crucial role in maintaining possession, snagging 9 draw controls, while Alyssa Ray held it down in goal with 5 saves.

But there’s no time to rest on their laurels because Mooney is gearing up for a double-header on Saturday against Hawken. First up, they’ll take on Gilmour at 9am, followed by a matchup against Magnificat at 1pm. With their momentum from this win, they’re sure to be a force to be reckoned with on the field.

LAKEVIEW TAKES CARE OF MIDWEEK DOUBLEHEADER

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Lakeview was able to take care of a doubleheader against Niles on Wednesday. They came out swinging in Game 1, piling on a whopping 12 runs in the first inning alone, leaving Niles in the dust with a 12-0 shutout. Mackenzie Stowe’s homer was the cherry on top of that offensive explosion, and Paige Schwartz was untouchable on the mound, striking out seven and not giving up a single run over three solid innings.

And talk about bringing the heat in Game 2! The Bulldogs weren’t content with just one offensive showcase, pouring on another eight runs in the first inning en route to a 12-2 victory. Isabella Isenberg and Mackenzie Stowe kept the hits coming, with Stowe even blasting an inside-the-park homer.

Ava Bacon held it down in the circle, allowing just two hits and one earned run while striking out six. With 12 hits in the game, including multiple hits from Kennedy Bartlett, Stowe, Izzy Haines, and Kalyssa Werner, the Bulldogs were firing on all cylinders.

But it wasn’t just about the hits; the Bulldogs showed discipline at the plate, working the count and drawing six walks throughout the game. With solid pitching, stellar defense, and an explosive offense, it’s no wonder Lakeview Varsity Bulldogs came away with two big wins on the day.

HUBBARD STAYS ON A TEAR

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HUBBARD OH- Andrew Kali collected three hits in three at bats, as Hubbard defeated Struthers 14-2 on Wednesday. Kali doubled in the third inning, doubled in the second inning, and singled in the first inning.

Hubbard scored eight runs in the third inning on the way to victory. Tyler Wright singled, scoring two runs, Johnny Reyes drew a walk, scoring one run, Kali doubled, scoring two runs, an error scored one run, Braydon Songer drew a walk, scoring one run, and a passed ball scored one run. A ground out by JR Hovanec put Struthers  on the board in the top of the first.

The Eagles took the lead in the bottom of the first. Geno Leshnack singled, scoring two runs, to give them the lead, 2-1. They then added to their early lead in the bottom of the second inning after Wright tripled, Reyes singled, Kali doubled, and they scored on a wild pitch, each scoring one run.

Kali earned the win for Hubbard. The right-handed pitcher gave up two hits and two runs over three innings, striking out two and walking two. Isaac Wolfe stepped on the mound first for the Wildcats. The starting pitcher allowed five hits and five runs over one and one-third innings, striking out none and walking one.

Hubbard piled up nine hits in the game. Leshnack stole two bases. They had patience at the plate, piling up six walks for the game. The Eagles ran wild on the base paths, collecting six stolen bases for the game. Hubbard was sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Wright had the most chances in the field with five.

Michael Scavnicky and Hovanec were a one-two punch in the lineup, as each drove in one run for Struthers. Leadoff hitter Anthony Pastella led with two hits in two at bats. Struthers turned one double play in the game.

WRECK IT WILLIAMS

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By Ty Bartell

CAMPBELL OH- When you talk about the position of catcher in softball, you talk about someone you
know can be a leader both on and off the field. Not necessarily someone who has to show leadership through their voice, but how they carry themselves on a day-to-day basis through their actions. Campbell Memorial junior MiLeena Williams is that leader of high character!

Through her early years of catching for Struthers stud Nicolina Pezzone to her own cousin at Campbell in Ramani Adams, Williams has had to catch a good amount of talent out of the circle and has excelled no matter where she is or what sport she is playing! Batting a mind-boggling .500 this season, Williams has amassed seven extra-base hits in just eight games this season, effectively wrecking any softball that dares get thrown her way!

Not only this season, but in her career, Williams has gone 91-for-167 good enough for a .545 career batting average, one of the top hitters in the entire area! However, if you talk with Williams you may not know it. Humble in her roots, Williams exudes confidence rather than cockiness as she never seems in doubt of her skillset.

Although her talent and growth as a player have been nothing short of incredible, it has been Williams growth as a person that has been even more special to witness. Becoming an everyday leader and voice, not just for Campbell-Memorial High School, but for an entire community that stands behind her.

YSNs Ty Bartell got the opportunity to chat with the Campbell catcher about the season, her growth and the goals she has set from here. Do not miss out on this edition of Player Profile, exclusively on YSN!

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BEAVERS SHOW STRENGTH ON THE ROAD

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EAST PALESTINE OH- Beaver Local hit the road to East Palestine and showed no mercy, taking home a decisive 15-5 victory. Tori Druschel was the star of the show for the Beavers, knocking in three runs with a solid 2-for-5 performance at the plate.

But she wasn’t alone in the offensive onslaught. Tatum Duncan and Megan Henrich both came up big with multiple hits and two RBI each, while Kamryn Young sealed the deal with a monster three RBI double.

Henrich wasn’t just tearing it up with the bat, though. She also dominated in the circle, striking out four, walking none, and only giving up one earned run. Now, that’s what you call a complete performance.

On the other side, Maddison Foster and Emma Gingher did their best to keep East Palestine in the game, knocking in two RBI each. Leila Martin and Gabby Andre also had strong showings at the plate, both going 2-for-3, with Andre adding an RBI to the mix.

But despite their efforts, Beaver Local proved to be too much to handle on this day. And guess what? They’re gearing up for a rematch on Thursday, this time on their home turf. It’s shaping up to be another epic showdown you won’t want to miss.